The mood was very calm and friendly as voters poured into the Dublin Lions Club to cast their votes for one of the most historical presidential elections to date on the afternoon of Nov. 4.

From older couples, to families, to single young men and women, to middle-aged men and women, all were present anxiously waiting in line to make a difference.

Amanda Atkins of Newbern stated she was confident in her choice. “I knew who I was voting for, and this isn’t my first time voting, but I wanted to come out and make my vote count,” she said.

The club was split into two precincts, a place for Dublin residents and a place for residents of Newbern to vote. Although the polling center wasn’t packed and lines weren’t that long at 3:30 p.m., a significant number of registerd voters reside in both areas. Dublin accounts for approximately 2,500 registered voters and Newbern has around 2,300.

“We usually don’t have huge lines because we have so many machines,” Sybil Atkinson, Pulaski County Secretary of the Electoral Board, said. “The most people had to wait is 30 minutes. The longest waits were when we opened at 6 a.m., we had the most people.”

Early morning and late evening were the prime times when a majority of voters came through this polling place, mainly the working crowd at these times.

After voters were divided by precinct, they were divided by last name. Voters with last names A-K were directed to one table of poll workers and L-Z were guided toward another. Poll workers were not allowed to comment on the activities and mood of this polling center as they have to remain completely neutral. The workers, as well as voters, are prohibited by statewide law to wear any type of clothing or pins that give away what candidate they’re supporting.

Many voters weren’t eager to discuss the election, but the few that did were quite opinionated. The Coxes, a Dublin couple, cited gun control and experience as major issues they were concerned about. They were very specific on their presidential choice as well. “I don’t want a Muslim in the White House, plain and simple,” Mrs. Cox said.

Timothy Ox of Newbern, a much younger voter, was a little more reserved with hi view on voting. “I pretty much knew who I was voting for but there weren’t any specific issues I was deeply concerned with but anti-war,” he commented.

Gun control, national security, abortion and war were the main issues that held great importance with voters. They were courteous but very passionate and open about who they wanted in office. The Ballews of Dublin were there with their entire family to vote.

Mrs. Ballew was thrilled about this election and especially having a woman running for vice president. “Either way this election goes its going to be a defining moment in history,” she said excitedly.

Amy David is a media studies student at Radford University.